Page:Passions 2.pdf/289

Is, to the daring climber who hath reach'd it,
Only a breathing place, from whence he sees
Its real summit, bright and heaven illum'd.
Towering majestic, grand, above him far
As is the lofty spot on which he stands
To the dull plain below.
The British once subdued, Northumberland,
Thou seest well, could not withstand our arms.
It too must fall; and with such added strength,
What might not be achiev'd? Ay, by this arm!
All that the mind suggests, even England's crown,
United and entire. Thou gazest on me.
I know full well the state is much exhausted
Of men and means; and those curs'd Mercian women
To cross my purposes, with hag-like spite,
Do nought but females bear. But I will onward.
Still, conscious of its lofty destination,
My spirit swells and will not be subdued.

Alwy. I, chidden, bow, and yield with admiration
Unto the noble grandeur of your thoughts.
But lowering clouds arise; events are adverse;
Crush thy leagued secret enemies at home,
And reign securely o'er the ample realm
You have so bravely won.

Ethw. What, have I thro' the iron fields of war,
Proudly before th' admiring gaze of men,
Unto this point with giant steps held on,
Now to become a dwarf? Have I this crown
In bloody battles won, mocking at death,